New Takanini bridges are a step closer as contractor appointed

New bridges for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists over the rail lines in Takanini are a step closer after Auckland Transport appointed Fulton Hogan as the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) partner for the Takanini Level Crossing Project.

The project will replace four rail level crossings with five new bridges, improving safety, easing congestion and enabling more frequent passenger and freight trains once City Rail Link opens.

Under the ECI arrangement, Fulton Hogan will work alongside Auckland Transport and design partners AECOM and Jacobs on detailed planning and design. The proposal includes three new bridges for vehicles and pedestrians and two bridges for pedestrians and cyclists.

Replacing level crossings is a key part of Auckland Transport and KiwiRail’s wider programme to support increased train frequencies, improve safety and keep traffic moving as public transport use grows.

Auckland Transport is already constructing pedestrian bridges at Glen Innes, Te Māhia and Takanini stations to allow level crossings to close.

Franklin ward councillor Andy Baker, chair of Auckland Council’s Transport and Infrastructure Delivery Committee, said the new crossings were critical for all transport users.

“These crossings not only remove dangerous level and pedestrian crossings and create safer environments for all modes of transport, they also mean the number of passenger and freight trains can increase significantly and enable City Rail Link to work at a capacity reflecting the level of investment,” Baker said.

Auckland Transport co-director of infrastructure and place Jane Small said bringing the construction contractor in early would help improve efficiency and reduce disruption.

“Fulton Hogan’s early involvement will enable innovation and help minimise disruption to local communities during construction,” Small said.

“Their proven track record in complex infrastructure projects makes them an ideal partner for this major initiative, which will help unlock the benefits of City Rail Link and improve safety and connectivity in Takanini.”

Site investigations are already underway across Takanini to inform the design process ahead of community engagement planned for early 2026. These include geotechnical, topographical, contamination and utilities investigations at more than 200 locations, alongside ongoing property acquisition.

Enabling works are expected to begin in late 2026, with main construction scheduled to start in late 2027.

Managing traffic impacts will be a priority throughout the project, with Auckland Transport saying plans will be put in place to minimise disruption, particularly for local businesses, both after City Rail Link opens and during construction.

Community engagement and research has shown strong local support for replacing level crossings with bridges to improve safety and ease congestion. Feedback highlighted the need for safer and more accessible walking and cycling connections, improved access to public transport, better landscaping and green spaces, and maintaining access to businesses and services during construction.

The Takanini project is the highest-priority level crossing replacement following the opening of City Rail Link, with funding confirmed and detailed design, consenting and construction now underway.